Jan. 23, 2014
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President Obama speaks to mayors. / MANDEL NGAN, AFP/Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

President Obama told a group of mayors Thursday they can help him get things done when Congress won't.

"We want to cooperate and coordinate with you," Obama told some 250 members of the U.S. Conference of Mayors during a White House reception.

Obama repeated he is prepared to take executive actions on a variety of items if Congress -- including a Republican-run House -- can't or won't pass legislation.

"My administration is going to move forward," Obama said, telling the mayors he would like to do so "in partnership with all of you."

Obama lauded initiatives in different cities on items ranging from climate change to health care. He cited a project to help homeless veterans in Phoenix, as well as downtown redevelopment in Fresno, Calif., and a youth summer jobs program in Philadelphia, Pa.

Obama took questions from some of the mayors, but that section of the program was closed to the press.

As bad weather covered most of the nation, Obama also offered some advice to the mayors.